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Dr visit yesterday confirmation of RA. Dr decided to begin with MTX. She also gave me frolic acid and prednisone. I'm. Thankful for the prednisone because it did help last time. A bit scared to start the methotrexate because my initial liver enzymes were elevated and she s going to check in three weeks to decide if I can stay on it. If yes she will increase the dosage. I take four pills for three weeks then increase to six and eventually eight. Is this normal? I spoke with someone today and she has been on methotrexate for six years and only takes three pills a week with no side effects. I have IBS and am worried the meds will make it worse too. Do most of you have side effects or are the horror stories few and far between ?

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2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:MTX questions.Dr visit yesterday confirmation of RA. Dr decided to begin with MTX. She also gave me frolic acid and prednisone. I'm. Thankful for the prednisone because it did help last time. A bit scared to start the methotrexate because my initial liver enzymes were elevated and she s going to check in three weeks to decide if I can stay on it. If yes she will increase the dosage. I take four pills for three weeks then increase to six and eventually eight. Is this normal? I spoke with someone today and she has been on methotrexate for six years and only takes three pills a week with no side effects. I have IBS and am worried the meds will make it worse too. Do most of you have side effects or are the horror stories few and far between ?

I started with 5 MTX a week and moved up to 7 after a couple months. I do take 2mg of folic acid daily and 5mg of leucovor once a week (8-12 hrs after MTX). I never had any problem with intestinal side effects just some hair loss and fatigue that has been controlled by the increase in folic acid.With the MTX my doc orders a complete blood count and metabolic panel every two months to monitor my liver, kidneys, and blood count. I am sure your doctor will do the same and keep a close eye on the results.

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:MTX questions.I started with 5 MTX a week and moved up to 7 after a couple months. I do take 2mg of folic acid daily and 5mg of leucovor once a week (8-12 hrs after MTX). I never had any problem with intestinal side effects just some hair loss and fatigue that has been controlled by the increase in folic acid.With the MTX my doc orders a complete blood count and metabolic panel every two months to monitor my liver, kidneys, and blood count. I am sure your doctor will do the same and keep a close eye on the results.

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